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Rotavirus and other Diarrheal Disease in a Birth Cohort from Southern Indian Community

R Sarkar1, B P Gladstone, J P Warier

  • 1Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, and *Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. Correspondence to: Dr Gagandeep Kang, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, Tamil Nadu, India. gkang@cmcvellore.ac.in.

Indian Pediatrics
|August 11, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Diarrheal disease is common in Indian infants, with rotavirus being a key cause. Promoting hygiene can significantly reduce severe cases in urban slums.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Diarrheal disease poses a significant health burden on infants and young children globally.
  • Urban slum communities often face heightened risks due to environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, severity, and causes of diarrheal disease in young children in urban South India.
  • To identify key pathogens and risk factors associated with childhood diarrhea in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort study was conducted in three urban slums in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, following 373 children for three years.
  • Diarrheal episodes were recorded through home visits, severity was scored, and stool samples were analyzed for bacterial, viral (rotavirus, norovirus), and parasitic agents.

Main Results:

  • The incidence rate of diarrhea was 1.66 episodes per child-year, peaking at 2.76 in infancy, with a seasonal peak in July-August.
  • Rotavirus was the most frequent pathogen (18% of episodes), and 8% of episodes were classified as severe.
  • Good hygiene practices offered 33% protection against moderate-to-severe diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood diarrhea represents a substantial public health challenge in Southern India, with specific etiological agents identified.
  • Health education promoting hygienic behaviors is a viable strategy to decrease diarrheal disease incidence in similar communities.
Abstract

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